2019 NFL Draft: DE Austin Bryant Reportedly out of Combine After January Surgery

Clemson defensive end Austin Bryant will reportedly skip drills at the NFL Scouting Combine after undergoing surgery for a torn pectoral last month.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Bryant suffered the injury in November but continued playing. He recorded 45 tackles and 8.5 sacks on his way to earning third-team All-ACC honors.

CBS Sports has Bryant listed as the No. 118 overall prospect and 14th-best defensive end in the 2019 draft class.

Bryant got overshadowed on a talented Clemson defense that included first-round prospects Clelin Ferrell, Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence. He's the sixth-rated Clemson defensive player in this draft class, leading members of the Tigers to call him under-appreciated.

“Very proud of him. He’s the quietest of that group, but he’s had a great year and takes a back seat to nobody. He’s been a great leader,” defensive coordinator Brent Venables said, per Matt Connolly of The State. “He’s ultra successful. He’s worked incredibly hard along the way. He may not be talked about outwardly outside of our football building, but inside we have great appreciation for Austin and all he’s done.”

The timing of the surgery makes it impossible for Bryant to stand out during a time where he'd have an individual spotlight. That means his draft status will likely be stagnant from where it was at the end of the college football season, perhaps even a little worse given the uncertainty with his status.

Bryant should come off the board late in Day 2 or early in Day 3.